WAKE!

121101_Wake

Cameron Wake has been the heart and soul of the Miami Dolphins Defense for the past 7 years and like most Fin Fans, my favorite player since Zach and Taylor – with a sprinkling of Ricky (don’t crucify me on that one, I just loved the dude). Wake had such a unique path towards the NFL, Parcells plucked him up from the CFL and onto the Dolphins. And Wake has displayed a deep loyalty to Miami because the Dolphins were the only team willing to give him a chance. That was the Cinderella start to Wake’s career – this act of his story isn’t so kind. We all remember him just sitting on the turf. My gut emptied watching him. I felt an ill omen like a black crow landing on my shoulder and squawking: season ending Achilles injury came quick the next day.

In the 7 games that he played, he had 7 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles, and was just beginning to figure out how to maximize his potential playing next to Suh – we all were feeling it, then. Now, the Dolphins have the option to cut Wake this off-season, and the reason is tempting as he is going to count for $9.8 million against the cap next year, and there’s no guarantee that he will be healthy. For a fast twitch player this was THE worst injury – but if there was one guy who could come back it would be him!! Most football gambling fans would bet that Miami would probably look to cut Wake, so they can save the cap room and head in a younger direction with Vernon. Between Wake’s recent injury history, the fact he is 34 years old, and probably only has a couple of more seasons left, fans might be inclined to agree that it would be the safe, if not prudent move, to part ways with him.

However, part of me disagrees – barring any setbacks, because Wake showed last season, that when he is healthy, he’s still one of the best Defensive Ends in the league. Wake is known as a workout warrior, who meticulously takes care of his body and his health – one of the greatest physical specimens EVER to play in NFL. IF he can recover by next season, there’s still a chance for him to play at an elite level. I still want him to be a Fin – maybe it’s emotion driving me to see him go out in Aqua. Maybe it’s fear that the Patriots will scoop him up to jam him down our disrespectful throats. This is why is such an important evaluation. He is a class act. He is what a true Dolphin is – talent and character.

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The most optimal move, would be to find a way where they can restructure Wake’s contract. Vernon is most likely going to hit the free-agency market and you never can tell how that will go, which means Miami runs the risk of being short handed on the defensive line. Then to make matters worse, Derrick Shelby is also unsigned for next season, so he as well may hit the open market and just sign with the highest bidder. That leaves alot of holes at DE – and that’s never good: EVER!!!. I know Wake is the older of the bunch and the riskier prospect, however, he is still the best of these three players when healthy, and COULD provide the Dolphins with another 2-3 years of elite performance. Just the other day it seemed so clear – go with Vernon. But, emotion clouds reason and when I think  of all the bad things that could happen if he were to go, all the good things that could happen if he stays seem to grow in probability. If Tannehill will be the most crucial evaluation of the season – the DE situation will be the absolute most critical decision of Free Agency!! We can’t keep them all – that’s a fact, but we’d better keep the right ones!!


 

10 comments

  • Dunner

    KEEP Wake. Its obviuos he can not stay with his current cap salary. Re-Work a 2 year deal, incentive laden and keep him here. I’m keeping Shelby and OV as well (unless a DE is drafted with #8 pick).
    I like the MLBer via free agency idea, he just needs to make a 100 tackles and stay healthy. Again, draft plans pending, should they trade back into the teens, a player such as Reggie Ragland should fit that bill perfectly on the cheap for 4 years.
    Miami does have options, going to be interesting to see how Tannebaum handles the process. For me though, @8 overall, I’m taking the top CB (value will be there), or a Freak DE, if value is there. Sure wouldn’t mind a trade back and receiving another second and third round picks.

    Very well said Admin.

  • Ralph

    Just saw the list of free agents by position
    Lots of linebackers
    I think it’s 12 or 13
    7 of them are middle linebackers
    If we get any free agents this year a MLB just might be the best option
    If we do get one we should get the one we want fast so that we can concentrate on what position to draft in the first round and who we will draft
    Still hoping we move back in the draft and pick up at least one other draft pick

    • RIchard

      I don’t think we need an MLB. I think Mike Hull played well when he was given the opportunity during the preseason. Let’s see what the kid can do. Spend the money and upgrade the OL

    • admin

      Yeah Ralph, MLB can def. be a smart vet who will thump for you for 2-3 years and that would work fine.

  • Lemmus

    …not a word to add or change in that post admin, one of your best

  • Steve

    Admin

    How old was Jason Taylor when he was traded to Washington, and how old was Jason when he retired from the Dolphins?

    I would run with Wake! He is prime time when healthy. Maybe the fins can rework his contract? Wake is the Dolphins Franchise! I can think of 5 Dolphins players that have drop passes, not protecting the QB, missed game changing tackles etc. Those are the players I would trade. That’s just it the Dolphins dont understand prime prime?

    • admin

      There’s this villain in batman two face -guess most people know of his since he was in the Batman movie. He had two distinct sides…near opposites, and that’s where I am on this. Part of the emotional side says…damn it man (think bones from star trek) he’s one of 50 greatest players, keep him! Then the other side is a lizard, cold blooded) and says 34, Achilles injury on a fast twitch player, cap issues…time to move on. Somewhere in between is the wisest. And I think you are correct Steve – rework his deal to keep him a Fin and he compromises on with playing incentives. Guy is amazing on all levels…it could happen, and more so I hope it does!!! And thanks Lemmus!

  • Ralph

    Keep wake and Vernon
    Let Shelby and Miller walk
    Easier to replace Miller than anyone else
    I think fins will have to restructure wake to keep him

    • admin

      I agreed with that a few weeks and and do even, but less. THE only reason to spend big money on Miller is because he will be a huge asset in evaluating T-Hill. To me T- Hill’s eval is key. Miller would bring so much to the O with Gase and if he walks Ajayi hasn’t proved he can be awork horse and it would be him, Damien, and a rookie..all of which are ? But, under normal circumstances I’d fully agree.